Wireless earpieces for hub communications

ABSTRACT

A method of utilizing wireless earpieces for hub communications in embodiments of the present invention may have one or more of the following steps: (a) activating the wireless earpieces, (b) connecting one or more devices to the wireless earpieces, (c) performing first biometric measurements of the user utilizing the wireless earpieces, (d) receiving second biometric measurements from the one or more devices, (e) determining if the one or more devices is located on the same user as the wireless earpieces by comparing the second biometric measurements to the first biometric measurements, (f) receiving a communication to be sent through the wireless earpieces from the one or more devices, and (g) sending the communication to reach a receiving party in response to the determination the second biometric measurements are similar to the first biometric measurements.

PRIORITY STATEMENT

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/560,835 titled Wireless Earpieces for Hub Communications filed onSep. 20, 2017 all of which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments relate to wearable devices. Particularly, theembodiments of the present invention relate to wearable devices andpersonal electronics having on board sensors. More particularly, but notexclusively, the embodiments of the present invention relate to wirelessearpieces operating as a hub for personal electronics and wearabledevices.

BACKGROUND

Wireless earpieces are a new class of consumer electronic devices withexcellent growth potential. Wireless earpieces have focused on personalentertainment and communications. For example, wireless earpieces may beutilized with wearable devices, a cellular phone, and other personalelectronics to perform communications, make phone calls, measurebiometrics, and perform other processes. Thus far, wireless devices havenot efficiently facilitated communications, process management, andinformation gathering between multiple devices.

Furthermore, another problem exists with making sure wearable devicesare located on the user's body. If the wearable devices are located onthe user's body, there can be issues with ensuring the wearable devicesare properly located and/or positioned on the user's body. There areeven additional issues with ensuring the wearable devices are located onthe same body and not spread out over several users.

However, there remain multiple problems. The first of these problemsinvolves the capture of the non-aligned datasets. For example, a smartshoe sensor may be able to produce powerful data on steps (e.g., apedometer), but specific data from sensors detailing foot fall and gaitanalysis is outside the scope of any other sensor array away from thefeet.

Second, there are issues around dealing with sensors within a body areanetwork which have no “handshake” capability. For example, let's say auser is wearing a sensor having no basic interface with another device.If these devices were never designed or set up to communicate, then thedata collected is useless to all other non-communicable device.

Third, currently there is no way to involve sensors adjacent to a bodyarea network which might give relevant data through which betteranalysis of the collected data could be analyzed and ranked. Forexample, there may be an ambient temperature sensor in proximity to abody area network. It would be very useful in many cases to capture theambient temperature of the environment around the body area network.This gives a specific frame of reference through which the body areanetwork can be more thoroughly and accurately evaluated and analyzed.But if the temperature sensor was never designed nor set up tocommunicate with the body area network, then this data sits unused bythe body area network.

Fourth, while devices may be able to receive other sensor data if thedata is unable to be verified, because it is an unrelated device, thenthe data will once again remain unused.

SUMMARY

Therefore, it is a primary object, feature, or advantage of the presentinvention to improve over the state of the art.

A method of utilizing wireless earpieces for hub communications inembodiments of the present invention may have one or more of thefollowing steps: (a) activating the wireless earpieces, (b) connectingone or more devices to the wireless earpieces, (c) performing firstbiometric measurements of the user utilizing the wireless earpieces, (d)receiving second biometric measurements from the one or more devices,(e) determining if the one or more devices is located on the same useras the wireless earpieces by comparing the second biometric measurementsto the first biometric measurements, (f) receiving a communication to besent through the wireless earpieces from the one or more devices, and(g) sending the communication to reach a receiving party in response tothe determination the second biometric measurements are similar to thefirst biometric measurements.

A wireless earpiece in embodiments of the present invention may have oneor more of the following features: (a) a processor for executing anapplication, and (b) a memory for storing the application, wherein theapplication is executed to, (i) activate the wireless earpieces, (ii)connect one or more devices to the wireless earpieces, (iii) performfirst biometric measurements of the user utilizing the wirelessearpieces, receive second biometric measurements from the one or moredevices, and (iv) determine if the second biometric measurements and thefirst biometric measurements are similar.

A method for identifying sensor data in embodiments of the presentinvention may have one or more of the following steps: (a) activating aset of wireless earpieces, the set of wireless earpieces comprising: (i)an earpiece housing, (ii) a processor within the housing, (iii) sensorsoperatively coupled to the processor, the sensors configured to collectbiometric data from a user, and (iv) a transceiver operatively coupledto the processor, the transceiver configured to communicate with apersonal area network, (b) receiving communications from at least onedevice within the personal area network, (c) processing first biometricmeasurements from at least one sensor of the wireless earpiece, (d)processing second biometric measurements from the communications fromthe at least one device, (e) determining a signal-based similaritybetween the first biometric measurements and the second biometricmeasurements, (f) determining the at least one device and the wirelessearpieces are worn by the same user if the signal-based similarity ispresent, (g) storing the second biometric measurements in a memoryoperatively coupled to the processor of the wireless earpieces, (h)communicating the second biometric measurements to a mobile devicewithin the personal are network for storage, and (i) performing analysisof the second biometric measurements on software stored on the mobiledevice.

One or more of these and/or other objects, features, or advantages ofthe present invention will become apparent from the specification andclaims that follow. No single embodiment need provide every object,feature, or advantage. Different embodiments may have different objects,features, or advantages. Therefore, the present invention is not to belimited to or by any objects, features, or advantages stated herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrated embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail belowwith reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporatedby reference herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a pictorial representation of a communications withwireless earpieces in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a right wireless earpiece of a wireless earpiece setas it relates to a user's right ear in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a wireless earpiece system in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process for verifying a connection inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for authenticating biometrics inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for managing biometric information inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a pictorial representation of a computing system in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a pictorial representation of a smart sock in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process for utilizing a smart sock system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Some of the figures include graphical and ornamental elements. It is tobe understood that the illustrative embodiments contemplate allpermutations and combinations of the various graphical elements setforth in the figures thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in theart to make and use the present teachings. Various modifications to theillustrated embodiments will be clear to those skilled in the art, andthe generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments andapplications without departing from the present teachings. Thus, thepresent teachings are not intended to be limited to embodiments shownbut are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principlesand features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is tobe read with reference to the figures, in which like elements indifferent figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which arenot necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are notintended to limit the scope of the present teachings. Skilled artisanswill recognize the examples provided herein have many usefulalternatives and fall within the scope of the present teachings. Whileembodiments of the present invention are discussed in terms of body areanetworks and wearable electronic devices, it is fully contemplatedembodiments of the present invention could be used in most any networkand comprise most any electronic device without departing from thespirit of the invention.

It is an object, feature, or advantage of the present invention toprovide a hub for communications between two or more wearable devices.

It is a still further object, feature, or advantage of the presentinvention to provide for a hub of a communications network to be awearable device.

Another object, feature, or advantage is for the hub of a communicationsnetwork to be one or more wireless earpieces.

Yet another object, feature, or advantage is the devices connecting tothe hub are authenticated utilizing a first and second biometricmeasurement.

Another object, feature or advantage is a having a wireless earpiecewhich when activated takes a first biometric reading, connects one ormore devices to the wireless earpiece, receives second biometricmeasurements from the one or more devices, and authenticates the one ormore devices utilizing the first biometric measurements and the secondbiometric measurements.

Another object, feature or advantage is a personal area network ofdevices authenticated by a wireless earpiece.

Another object, feature or advantage is the ability to on-board orconnect with sensor arrays meeting basic entry criteria.

Another object, feature or advantage is the ability to collect, storeand analyze sensor data collected from multiple sensors all around amain hub.

Another object, feature or advantage is being able to onboard,communicate with or accept sensor data from wearable devices notoriginally set up to communicate and/or share date.

Another object, feature or advantage is to collect, communicate with andanalyze sensor data from sensors adjacent to a body area networkpossibly providing relevant data through which better analysis of thecollected data could be analyzed and ranked.

Another object, feature or advantage is to provide additional data to abody area network not having any real similarity to a basic sensor packcontained within the body area network or in a hub of the network.

Another object, feature or advantage is to provide a hub of a body areanetwork having the capability to on-board other sensor data given apreset handshake with the hub.

Another object feature or advantage is to have the ability to bringsensor data into a system which is related to sensor data currentlycollected by the system, but unable to be verified by the system.

Another object, feature or advantage is to provide a ‘signal-basedsimilarity’ to link devices together in a meshed body area networkwithout requiring a user to do anything.

Another object, feature or advantage is to provide a hub for a body areanetwork where sensor data from outside the hub is stored, or stored,authenticated and analyzed with the possibility forrecommendations/utilizations on the hub device.

Another object, feature or advantage is to provide a hub for an areanetwork where the sensor data from outside the hub is transferred to alinked device for storage, authentication, authorization and analysisand recommendations/utilizations on the linked device.

Another object, feature or advantage is allowing a user to givepermission for an application to analyze the outside sensor data and addthis data to a full repository of data from a local body area network.

A system, method, and wireless earpieces for hub communications aredisclosed. When wireless earpieces are activated, one or more devicescan connect to the wireless earpieces. First biometric measurements ofthe user are performed utilizing the wireless earpieces. Secondbiometric measurements are received from the one or more devices. Theone or more devices are authenticated utilizing the second biometricmeasurements and the first biometric measurements. Another embodimentprovides wireless earpieces including a processor and a memory storingan application. The set of instructions are executed by the processor toperform the method described above.

The wireless earpiece may include a frame for fitting in an ear of auser. The wireless earpiece may also include a processor controllingfunctionality of the wireless earpiece. The wireless earpiece may alsoinclude several sensors performing first biometric measurements of atleast the user. The wireless earpiece may also include a transceivercommunicating with one or more devices proximate the user. The processoractivates the wireless earpiece, connects one or more devices to thewireless earpiece, receives second biometric measurements from the oneor more devices, and authenticates the one or more devices utilizing thefirst biometric measurements and the second biometric measurements.

The wireless earpiece and the one or more devices may be part of apersonal area network. In one embodiment, the wireless earpieces receivecommunications from the one or more devices and send the communicationsin response to performing the biometric authentication. In oneembodiment, the one or more devices represent personal electronics, suchas smart wearables, smart phones, and smart clothing. In one embodiment,the one or more devices are vehicle sensors. In one embodiment, theauthentication is performed by comparing the first biometric to thesecond biometric to determine both are associated with a user. In oneembodiment, the first biometric and the second biometric represent onetype of biometric measurement. In one embodiment, the biometricmeasurement represents a heart rate or blood pressure.

A system, method and wireless earpieces for performing communicationsand managing processes utilizing wireless earpieces as a hub aredisclosed. The wireless earpieces may be utilized to directly orindirectly communicate discrete or real-time communications to otherwireless earpieces or electronic devices. Hardware, logic, and operatingsystem, a kernel, or an application executed by the wireless earpiecesor an associated wireless device may control the communicationsincluding any confirmations, responses, or authorizations required toperform the initial or ongoing communications. The wireless earpiecesmay also authenticate other electronics utilizing biometrics. Forexample, the biometrics measured by the wireless earpieces may beutilized to authenticate other devices purportedly associated with theuser. Any number of audio, visual, or tactile alerts, indicators, oralarms may be utilized to indicate communications are sent, received, intransmission, being received, or so forth. In one embodiment, hubcommunications with the wireless earpieces may be performed utilizing awireless personal area network, body area network, body sensor network,or a personal hub network centered on the wireless earpieces.

The wireless personal area network may be automatically created betweenthe wireless earpieces and other devices. For example, user preferences,settings, permissions, or other configuration information associatedwith each of the wireless earpieces may be utilized to establish andutilize the wireless personal area network. The wireless personal areanetwork may also be created based on user input linking separatewireless earpieces, users, wireless devices, or other electronics. Forexample, the wireless earpieces may be linked utilizing one or more usernames, pin numbers, passwords, network names, IMEIs, IP addresses, userbiometrics, locations, events, environments, or other device/useridentifiers. To further illustrate, biometrics determined by thewireless earpieces may be utilized to verify other wearables or otherelectronics purporting to be associated with the user/wirelessearpieces.

Multiple wireless earpieces may be utilized to create a wirelesspersonal area network of sensors or sensor array. The wireless earpiecesmay be able to create a three-dimensional sound environment orre-creation. In other embodiments, additional sensors of the wirelessearpieces may be utilized to create a visual, thermal, pressure,radiation, or other three-dimensional image, view, re-creation, visual,display, graphic, or other content. For example, the wireless personalarea network may also determine if users wearing wireless earpieceswithin a specified area or environment suddenly experience an increasein monitored biometrics or conditions, such as heart rate, bloodpressure, temperature, or so forth. The sensor array may be utilized forenhancing user experiences (e.g., entertainment, received content,etc.), safety, security, crowd control, and so forth.

The wireless earpieces may communicate with any number of wearable orother electronics to provide information to the user. The wirelesspersonal area network may be created or utilized as needed with theindividual wireless earpieces (or sets of wireless earpieces), wirelessdevices, or other electronics acting as nodes within the mesh network100. The communications and sensor mesh networks may be utilized for anynumber of personal, commercial, organizational, military, and otherpurposes.

FIG. 1 illustrates a pictorial representation of a wireless personalarea network 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. Wireless personal area network 100, a hub system 102including a wireless device 10, a software application 12 executable onthe wireless device 10, and a set of wireless earpieces 14, 16 worn byone or more users. The wireless earpieces 14, 16 may reference a set ofwireless earpieces which may include, a left wireless earpiece and/or aright wireless earpiece. Correspondingly, references herein to wirelessearpieces or a wireless earpiece may refer to a set of wirelessearpieces and/or an individual wireless earpiece. In one embodiment, thewireless device 10 may represent a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop, adesktop computer, augmented reality system, virtual reality system, orany other type of electronic device capable of both receiving user inputand interacting with outside electronic devices.

As shown, the wireless earpieces 14 may be the hub for the otherelectronics in the hub system 102. The various types of electronic orsmart devices 103 of the wireless personal area network 100 may include,but are not limited to, a smart watch 18, a smart wristband 20, smartsocks 22, and a smart shirt 23. In one embodiment, the devices 103 maybe utilized by a single user. For example, the wireless earpieces 14 mayrepresent a primary set of wireless earpieces worn by the user and thewireless earpieces 16 may represent a secondary pair of wirelessearpieces worn or utilized as needed or swapped out with the wirelessearpieces 14 in response to low batteries, damage, hardware or softwarefailures, or so forth. The software application 12 executable on thewireless device 10 may be either stored on the wireless device 10 or maybe directly accessible from an outside or third-party electronic device,such as a server 11, a communications tower 13, a portable memorydevice, or a computing device such as a tablet, a desktop computer 15,or a laptop. For example, only a portion of the software application 12may be executed on the wireless device 10 to function. The softwareapplication 12 may also be executed by any of the devices 103 of thesystem 102. The software application 12 may be programmed to sendcommunications or requests through the wireless hub system 102. Thesoftware application 12 may represent a program, an operating system, akernel, a module, a script, an application, or other software. Thesoftware application 12 may also be executed by the wireless earpieces16. As described, software applications, logic, or hardware utilized bythe wireless earpieces or devices 103 may be used.

Communications within the wireless personal area network 100 may becommunicated directly between the devices 103 or through one or moreintermediary electronic devices, such as a router, repeater,communications tower 13, a satellite, a server, or another computingdevice capable of receiving radio frequency, electromagnetic, or otherwireless signals before reaching the wireless earpieces 14 (as thedestination or for additional routing). The communication request may bedirected to additional wireless earpieces (e.g., wireless earpieces 16)or other types of electronic devices used, worn, or carried by a user orthird parties. The wireless personal area network 100 may also representa wireless body area network (B.A.N.) a personal area network, an IoT(internet of things) network or a mesh network without departing fromthe spirit of the invention. Furthermore, network 100 may incorporateedge computing technology for optimizing applications or cloud computingsystems by taking some portion of an application, its data, or servicesaway from one or more central nodes (the “core”) to the other logicalextreme (the “edge”) of the network which contacts the physical world orend users.

More than one user utilizing wireless earpieces 14 may connect to thewireless device 10 beyond the wireless earpieces 14 as are shown inFIG. 1. The devices 103 may represent any number of mobile phones,tablets, laptops, desktop computers, smart glasses, smart jewelry,eyepieces, and watches.

Gestures used with the wireless earpiece 14, 16 to receive acommunication or communication information (e.g., commands, messages,requests, alerts, etc.), establish a link, or otherwise provide feedbackor input may include head gestures, hand gestures, finger gestures,tapping gestures, swiping gestures, or any sort of tactile input orgesture sensed by the wireless earpiece 14, 16 and more than one type ofgesture may be used. In another embodiment, the wireless earpiece 14, 16may receive verbal or audio commands to implement an action. Visual,audio, or other media recorded or stored by a second electronic device,such as a smartphone, a camcorder, a digital camera, or electroniceyewear, operatively connected to one or more wireless earpieces 14, 16worn by one or more third parties, may be communicated by one or morethird parties wearing the wireless earpieces 14 or the wireless device10. The communications sent and received by the hub system 102 mayinclude voice, text, alerts, packets, images, audio, biometrics, email,readings, or so forth whether measured by the wireless earpieces 14 orreceived from an associated user or connected device.

The wireless earpieces 14 may be separated to perform communicationswith each other (e.g., a left wireless earpiece given to a first userand a right wireless earpiece given to a second user). The wirelessearpieces 14 may communicate utilizing any number of standards,protocols, or signals. The utilization of the wireless earpieces 14 mayallow a user to further expand the scope or reach of the wirelesspersonal area network 100 of the system 102 without additional devicesbeing required or necessary. In one embodiment, the wireless device 10may be utilized as a repeater, booster, node, ranger extender orintermediary for relaying communications between the wireless earpieces14. The wireless earpieces 14 may be utilized for sporting events orcompetitions, work environments, team exercises, organizations, militaryunits, emergency responders, and so forth.

The software 12 may include a graphical user interface displayed by thewireless device 10. The graphical user interface may allow a user toselect whether the wireless earpieces 12, 14 (or associated devices 103)participate in communications through the wireless personal area network100. The software 12 may enable different types of wireless personalarea network communications, queueing, user preferences, parameters,configurations, icons, alerts, or so forth. Input may be provided to thewireless device 10 utilizing any number of touch screens, buttons,knobs, scroll wheels, or so forth.

The smart socks 22 and the smart shirt 23 are clothing including anynumber of wearable biometric sensors measuring heart rate, perspiration,movement, blood oxygenation, impacts, cadence (e.g., walking, jogging,running, swimming, biking, etc.), stresses, and so forth.

The wireless earpieces 14 may act as a communications hub for routingall sensor data or other feedback to a selected device, such as thewireless device 10 or the smart watch 18. For example, sensor datastreamed to the wireless earpieces 14 may then be routed to the wirelessdevice 10 for archival or storage. The wireless earpieces 14 mayautomatically function as a hub for the devices 103 outputting a signal(e.g., sensor reading) to be read by nearby devices. The wirelessearpieces 14 may verify one or more identifiers or user biometrics toensure the wireless earpieces 14 should receive, route, or otherwiseprocess communications from the devices 103.

FIG. 2 illustrates a right wireless earpiece 200 of a wireless earpieceset as it relates to a user's right ear in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention. The user may interact with the right wirelessearpiece 200 by either providing a gesture sensed by a gesture interface230, a voice command sensed via a microphone 232, or by one or more heador neck motions which may be sensed by an inertial sensor 234 such as aMEMS gyroscope, magnetometer, or an accelerometer. In one embodiment,the gesture interface 230 may include one or more optical sensors,touch/capacitive sensors, or so forth. The microphone 232 may representone or more over-air or bone conduction microphones. The air-basedmicrophone may be positioned on an exterior of the right wirelessearpiece 200 when worn by the user (e.g., on or near the gestureinterface 230). The bone conduction microphone may be positioned on aninterior portion of the right wireless earpiece 200 to abut the skin,tissues, and bones of the user.

The right wireless earpiece 200 may also include one or more speakers235. The speakers 235 may be positioned in an area/location conducivefor communicating sounds to the tympanic membrane 240 of the user's earand may include components, such as bass speakers, mid-range speakers,tweeters speakers, digital-to-analog converters, amplifiers,attenuators, filters, and/or other components necessary for speakers 235to convert an electrical signal into a sound wave 238. The components ofspeakers 235 may be further configured and/or programmed to generatethree-dimensional stereo sound or to generate sounds at specificfrequencies. Speakers 235 may communicate verifications regardingdevices in connection with or communicating through the right wirelessearpieces 200. As a result, the wearer of the right wireless earpiece200 may be informed regarding the hub activities and processes performedby the right wireless earpiece 200.

For example, if a user wearing the right wireless earpiece 200 wishes totranscribe and send a text message through the wireless earpiece theuser may give a voice command to specify a recipient and the message tobe communicated utilizing the microphone 232, once read back orotherwise verified, the user may nod his head, which may be sensed bythe inertial sensor 234, such as an accelerometer, via voltage changesdue to capacitance differentials caused by the nodding of the head tosend the text message through a wireless personal area network 100. Inaddition, the user may tap on or swipe across the gesture interface 230to bring up a menu in which to send, for example, a preprogrammed reply.The gesture interface 230 may also be utilized to accept one or morepieces of media a third party wishes to share with the user wearing theright wireless earpiece 200.

The user may also wish to control which parties receive a communicationor transmission by accessing a second menu via an additional gesture,such as a voice command or a finger swipe, to determine which partiesreceive the communication. As noted, voice communications, commands, oraudio content to be transcribed may be received via the microphone 232.The right wireless earpiece 200 may be positioned within the ear canal236 to minimize the distance between the right wireless earpiece 200 andthe user's tympanic membrane 240 so any sound communications 238received from the user are effectively received through the microphone232.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a wireless earpiece system 300 inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. As previously noted, thewireless earpieces 302 may be referred to or described herein as a pair(wireless earpieces) or singularly (wireless earpiece). The descriptionmay also refer to components and functionality of each of the wirelessearpieces 302 collectively or individually. The wireless earpiece system300 may enhance communications and functionality of the wirelessearpieces 302. The wireless earpiece system 300 or wireless earpieces302 may be part of a wireless personal area network 100 (e.g., sendingdevice, receiving device, hub or node in the wireless personal areanetwork, etc.).

As shown, the wireless earpieces 302 may be wirelessly linked to thewireless device 304. For example, the wireless device 304 may representa smart phone 10. The wireless device 304 may also represent a gamingdevice, tablet computer, vehicle system (e.g., GPS, speedometer,pedometer, entertainment system, etc.), media device, smart watch,laptop, smart glass, or other electronic devices. User input, commands,and communications may be received from either the wireless earpieces302 or the wireless device 304 for implementation on either of thedevices of the wireless earpiece system 300 (or other externallyconnected devices). The wireless earpieces 302 may communicate with anynumber of devices, simultaneously, concurrently, or sequentially basedon the applicable circumstances and environment.

The wireless device 304 may act as a logging tool for receivinginformation, data, or measurements made by the wireless earpieces 302.For example, the wireless device 304 may download data from the wirelessearpieces 302 in real-time. As a result, the wireless device 304 may beutilized to store, display, and synchronize data for the wirelessearpieces 302 as well as manage communications. For example, thewireless device 304 may display pulse, proximity, location, oxygenation,distance, calories burned, and so forth as measured by the wirelessearpieces 302. The wireless device 304 may be configured to receive anddisplay an interface, selection elements, and alerts indicatingconditions to implement personal area communications. For example, thewireless earpieces 302 may utilize factors, such as changes in motion orlight, distance thresholds between the wireless earpieces 302 and/orwireless device 304, signal activity, user orientation, user speed, userlocation, environmental factors (e.g., temperature, humidity, noiselevels, proximity to other users, etc.) or other automaticallydetermined or user specified measurements, factors, conditions, orparameters to implement various features, functions, and commands. Thewireless device 304 may function as the hub for the communicationsreceived through the wireless earpieces 302. Other wireless devices,such as a smart watch, may function as the hub or logging device.

The wireless device 304 may also include any number of optical sensors,touch sensors, microphones, and other measurement devices providingfeedback or measurements the wireless earpieces 302 may utilize todetermine an appropriate mode, settings, or enabled functionality. Thewireless earpieces 302 and the wireless device 304 may have any numberof electrical configurations, shapes, and colors and may include variouscircuitry, connections, and other components. The wireless earpieces 302may be shaped and configured as wireless earbuds, wireless headphones,or other headpieces, personal speaker/communications devices, orearpieces any of which may be referred to generally as the wirelessearpieces 302.

In one example, the headphones (not shown) may include sensors notwithin the ear canal. For example, the headphones may include sensorsintegrated with an over-head support, ear pads/cups, a frame, or soforth. The biometrics may be measured from the user's head (e.g., ears,neck, ears, scalp, skin, etc.) or body. The information may also beassociated with the environment, user activity/actions, ambient, or soforth.

The wireless earpieces 302 may include a battery 308, a processor 310, amemory 312, a user interface 314, a physical interface 315, atransceiver 316, and sensors 317. The wireless device 304 may have anynumber of configurations and include components and features like thewireless earpieces 302. The hub communications functionality and logicmay be implemented as part of the processor 310, user interface 314, orother hardware, software, or firmware of the wireless earpieces 302and/or wireless device 304.

The battery 308 is a power storage device configured to power thewireless earpieces 302. The battery 308 may represent a fuel cell,thermal electric generator, piezo electric charger, solar charger,ultra-capacitor, or other existing or developing power storagetechnologies. The processor 310 preserves the capacity of the battery308 by reducing unnecessary utilization of the wireless earpieces 302 ina full-power mode when there is little or no benefit to the user (e.g.,the wireless earpieces 302 are sitting on a table or temporarily lost).The battery 308 is preserved for use by the user. As a result, usersatisfaction with the wireless earpieces 302 is improved and the usermay be able to set the wireless earpieces 302 aside at any momentknowing battery life is automatically preserved by the processor 310 andfunctionality of the wireless earpieces 302. In addition, the battery308 may use very little power when additional wireless earpieces ordevices (nodes) are not available to limit unnecessary powerutilization. Likewise, the power output may be increased when personalarea communications or nodes are available. In some embodiments, thewireless earpieces 302 may continue to act as a communications orsensory hub even when not being worn (e.g., placed on a desk, stored inan associated smart charger, etc.). For example, the wireless earpieces302 may verify biometric information communicated to the wirelessearpieces from other sensor-based electronic devices. For example, skinconductivity of the user may be verified by the wireless earpieces 302based on readings performed by a smart watch/band based on readings andinformation previously performed by the wireless earpieces 302.

The processor 310 is the logic controlling the operation andfunctionality of the wireless earpieces 302. The processor 310 mayinclude circuitry, chips, and other digital logic. The processor 310 mayalso include programs, scripts, and instructions implemented to operatethe processor 310. The processor 310 may represent hardware, software,firmware, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the processor310 may include one or more processors. The processor 310 may alsorepresent an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA). In one embodiment, the processor 310 mayexecute instructions to manage the hub communications, verifications,and other processes performed by the wireless earpieces 302.

The processor 310 may utilize measurements from two or more of thesensors 317 to determine whether hub, biometric, or other personal areacommunications are being requested or otherwise needed. The processor310 may control actions implemented in response to any number ofmeasurements from external devices (and associated components as well asthe sensors 317, the transceiver 316, the user interface 314, or thephysical interface 315 as well as user preferences 320 the user enteredor other default preferences. For example, the processor 310 mayinitialize or otherwise perform personal area communications in responseto any number of factors, conditions, parameters, measurements, data,values, or other information specified within the processor 310 or bythe user preferences 320. For example, hub communications may beutilized in response to received biometrics, communications, or soforth. Wireless personal area networks may also be utilized in responseto any number of internal or external measurements, settings, factors,or so forth.

The processor 310 may implement any number of processes for the wirelessearpieces 302, such as facilitating communications, listening to music,tracking biometrics or so forth. The wireless earpieces 302 may beconfigured to work together or completely independently based on theneeds of the user. For example, the wireless earpieces 302 may be usedby two different users at one time. In another example, the wirelessearpieces 302 may offload or load balance tasks and processing betweenthe wireless earpieces. As a result, different processes, task, oractions may be handled by both the wireless earpieces 302, a singlewireless earpiece, or so forth.

The processor 310 may also process user input to determine commandsimplemented by the wireless earpieces 302 or sent to the wireless device304 through the transceiver 316. Specific actions may be associated withuser input (e.g., voice, tactile, orientation, motion, gesture, etc.).For example, the processor 310 may implement a macro allowing the userto associate frequently performed actions with specific commands/inputimplemented by the wireless earpieces 302.

The processor 310 is circuitry or logic enabled to control execution ofan application. The processor may be one or more microprocessors,digital signal processors, application-specific integrated circuits(ASIC), central processing units, or other devices suitable forcontrolling an electronic device including one or more hardware andsoftware elements, executing software, instructions, programs, andapplications, converting and processing signals and information, andperforming other related tasks.

The memory 312 is a hardware element, device, or recording mediaconfigured to store data or instructions for subsequent retrieval oraccess later. The memory 312 may represent static or dynamic memory. Thememory 312 may include a hard disk, random access memory, cache,removable media drive, mass storage, or configuration suitable asstorage for data, instructions, and information. In one embodiment, thememory 312 and the processor 310 may be integrated. The memory 312 mayuse any type of volatile or non-volatile storage techniques and mediums.The memory 312 may store information related to the status of a user,wireless earpieces 302, wireless device 304, and other peripherals, suchas a tablet, smart glasses, a smart watch, a smart case for the wirelessearpieces 302, a wearable device, and so forth. In one embodiment, thememory 312 may display instructions, programs, drivers, or an operatingsystem for controlling the user interface 314 including one or more LEDsor other light emitting components, speakers, tactile generators (e.g.,vibrator), and so forth. The memory 312 may also store thresholds,conditions, signal or processing activity, proximity data, and so forth.The memory 312 may store historical information and updated userbiometrics. The biometrics stored in the memory 312 may act as baselineor default readings for verifying biometrics measured by devices linked,associated, or otherwise communicating with the wireless earpieces 302.

The transceiver 316 is a component comprising both a transmitter andreceiver which may be combined and share common circuitry on a singlehousing, chip, or board. The transceiver 316 may communicate utilizingBluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Ant+, near field communications, wireless USB,infrared, mobile body area networks, ultra-wideband communications,cellular (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, PCS, GSM, etc.), infrared, or other suitableradio frequency standards, networks, protocols, or communications. Thetransceiver 316 may also be a hybrid or multi-mode transceiversupporting several different communications. For example, thetransceiver 316 may communicate with the wireless device 304 or othersystems utilizing wired interfaces (e.g., wires, traces, etc.), NFC, orBluetooth communications as well as with the other wireless earpieceutilizing NFMI. The transceiver 316 may also detect amplitudes andsignal strength to infer distance between the wireless earpieces 302 aswell as the wireless device 304. The transceiver 316 may also includeany number of individual or integrated transmitters and/or receivers.

The components of the wireless earpieces 302 may be electricallyconnected utilizing any number of wires, contact points, leads, busses,wireless interfaces, or so forth. In addition, the wireless earpieces302 may include any number of computing and communications components,devices or elements which may include busses, motherboards, printedcircuit boards, circuits, chips, sensors, ports, interfaces, cards,converters, adapters, connections, transceivers, displays, antennas, andother similar components. The physical interface 315 is hardwareinterface of the wireless earpieces 302 for connecting and communicatingwith the wireless device 304 or other electrical components, devices, orsystems.

The physical interface 315 may include any number of pins, arms, orconnectors for electrically interfacing with the contacts or otherinterface components of external devices or other charging orsynchronization devices. For example, the physical interface 315 may bea micro USB port. In one embodiment, the physical interface 315 is amagnetic interface automatically coupling to contacts or an interface ofthe wireless device 304. In another embodiment, the physical interface315 may include a wireless inductor for charging the wireless earpieces302 without a physical connection to a charging device. The physicalinterface 315 may allow the wireless earpieces 302 to be utilized whennot worn as a remote microphone and sensor system (e.g., seismometer,thermometer, light detection unit, motion detector, etc.). For example,measurements, such as noise levels, temperature, movement, and so forthmay be detected by the wireless earpieces even when not worn. Thewireless earpieces 302 may be utilized as a pair, independently, or whenstored in a smart case. Each of the wireless earpieces 302 may providedistinct sensor measurements as needed. In one embodiment, the smartcase may include hardware (e.g., logic, battery, transceiver, etc.) tointegrate as part of a wireless personal area network. For example, thesmart case may be utilized as a node or relay within a wireless personalarea network for sending and receiving communications.

The user interface 314 is a hardware interface for receiving commands,instructions, or input through the touch (haptics) of the user, voicecommands, or predefined motions. The user interface 314 may furtherinclude any number of software and firmware components for interfacingwith the user. The user interface 314 may be utilized to manage andotherwise control the other functions of the wireless earpieces 302including personal area communications. The user interface 314 mayinclude the LED array, one or more touch sensitive buttons or portions,a miniature screen or display, or other input/output components (e.g.,the user interface 314 may interact with the sensors 317 extensively).The user interface 314 may be controlled by the user or based oncommands received from the wireless device 304 or a linked wirelessdevice. In one embodiment, personal area communications may becontrolled by the user interface, such as recording communications,receiving user input for communications, queuing communications, sendingcommunications, receiving user preferences for the communications, andso forth. The user interface 214 may also include a virtual assistantfor managing the features, functions, and components of the wirelessearpieces 302.

In one embodiment, the user may provide user input for the userinterface 314 by tapping a touch screen or capacitive sensor once,twice, three times, or any number of times. Similarly, a swiping motionmay be utilized across or in front of the user interface 314 (e.g., theexterior surface of the wireless earpieces 302) to implement apredefined action. Swiping motions in any number of directions orgestures may be associated with specific activities or actions, such asplay music, pause, fast forward, rewind, activate a virtual assistant,listen for commands, report biometrics, enabled personal areacommunications, verify biometrics, manage hub communications, and soforth.

The swiping motions may also be utilized to control actions andfunctionality of the wireless device 304 or other external devices(e.g., smart television, camera array, smart watch, etc.). The user mayalso provide user input by moving his head in a direction or motion orbased on the user's position or location. For example, the user mayutilize voice commands, head gestures, or touch commands to change theprocesses implemented by the wireless earpieces 302 as well as theprocesses executed, or content displayed by the wireless device 304. Theuser interface 314 may also provide a software interface including anynumber of icons, soft buttons, windows, links, graphical displayelements, and so forth. In one embodiment, the swiping motions may beutilized to verify biometrics or perform communications for one or moredevices associated with a direction of the swipe or other indicator.

The sensors 317 may be integrated with the user interface 314 to detector measure the user input. For example, infrared sensors positionedagainst an outer surface of the wireless earpieces 302 may detecttouches, gestures, or other input as part of a touch or gesturesensitive portion of the user interface 314. The outer or exteriorsurface of the user interface 314 may correspond to a portion of thewireless earpieces 302 accessible to the user when the wirelessearpieces are worn within the ears of the user.

In addition, the sensors 317 may include pulse oximeters,accelerometers, thermometers, barometers, radiation detectors,gyroscopes, magnetometers, global positioning systems, beacon detectors,inertial sensors, photo detectors, miniature cameras, air microphones,ear-bone microphones, and other similar instruments for detecting userbiometrics, environmental conditions, location, utilization,orientation, motion, and so forth. The sensors 317 may providemeasurements or data utilized to select, activate, or otherwise utilizethe wireless personal area network. Likewise, the sensors 317 may beutilized to awake, activate, initiate, or otherwise implement actionsand processes utilizing conditions, parameters, values, or other datawithin the user preferences 320. For example, the optical biosensorswithin the sensors 317 may determine whether the wireless earpieces 302are being worn and when a selected gesture to activate the virtualassistant 318 for verifying biometrics is provided by the user.

The wireless device 304 may include components similar in structure andfunctionality to those shown for the wireless earpieces 302. Thecomputing device may include any number of processors, batteries,memories, busses, motherboards, chips, transceivers, peripherals,sensors, displays, cards, ports, adapters, interconnects, and so forth.The wireless device 304 may include one or more processors and memoriesfor storing instructions. The instructions may be executed as part of anoperating system, application, browser, or so forth to implement thefeatures herein described. The wireless earpieces 302 may bemagnetically, wirelessly, or physically coupled to the wireless device304 to be recharged or synchronized or to be stored. The wireless device304 may include applications compatible and able to enable wirelesspersonal area network communications. As a result, the separateinstances may function as a single application to enhance functionality.The wireless earpieces 302 and wireless device 304 may utilize anynumber of wireless personal area networks including standards,protocols, devices, and so forth.

The wireless device 304 may be utilized to adjust the user preferences320 including settings, thresholds, activities, conditions,environmental factors, and so forth utilized by the wireless earpieces302 and the wireless device 304. For example, the wireless device 304may utilize a graphical user interface allowing the user to more easilyspecify any number of conditions, values, measurements, parameters, andfactors utilized to perform communications through the wireless personalarea network. The user preferences 320 may also specify how biometricsare verified. For example, the user preferences 320 may specify thebiometrics utilized (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, fingerprint,blood chemistry, voice or speech, skin conductivity, etc.), devicesauthorized to perform biometric and hub communications, and otherapplicable information, data, and so forth.

The wireless device 304 may also include sensors for detecting thelocation, orientation, and proximity of the wireless earpieces 302 tothe wireless device 304. The wireless earpieces 302 may turn offcommunications to the wireless device 304 in response to losing a statusor heart beat connection to preserve battery life and may onlyperiodically search for a connection, link, or signal to the wirelessdevice 304. The wireless earpieces 302 may also turn off components,enter a low power or sleep mode, or otherwise preserve battery life inresponse to no interaction with the user for a time, no detection of thepresence of the user (e.g., touch, light, conductivity, motion, etc.),or so forth. Biometrics may also be unilaterally or bilaterally verifiedbetween the wireless earpieces 302 and the wireless device 304 for addedsecurity, verification, communications, or other purposes and processes.

As originally packaged, the wireless earpieces 302 and the wirelessdevice 304 may include peripheral devices such as charging cords, poweradapters, inductive charging adapters, solar cells, batteries, lanyards,additional light arrays, speakers, smart case covers, transceivers(e.g., Wi-Fi, cellular, etc.), or so forth. In one embodiment, thewireless earpieces 302 may include a smart case (not shown). The smartcase may include an interface for charging the wireless earpieces 302from an internal battery as well as through a plugged connection. Thesmart case may also utilize the interface or a wireless transceiver tolog utilization, biometric information of the user, and otherinformation and data. The smart case may also be utilized as a repeateras part of the wireless personal area network (e.g., a node in thewireless personal area network), a signal amplifier, relay, or so forth.The smart case may further include sensors or other components asdescribed regarding the wireless earpieces 302.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process for verifying connections inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The process ofFIGS. 4-6 may be implemented by several wireless earpieces 14 (sets orindividual wireless earpieces 14), wireless devices 10, wired devices,or so forth. For example, hub communications may be performed throughthe wireless earpieces 14. The individual devices 103 may representnodes in the wireless personal area network 100. In one embodiment, theprocesses of FIGS. 5 and 6 may be implemented in response to the processof FIG. 4. The wireless earpieces 14 may communicate utilizing anynumber of signals, protocols, or standards (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi,NFMI, cellular communications, etc.). The method of FIG. 4 may beimplemented by one wireless earpiece, a set of wireless earpieces 14, orwireless earpieces 14 associated with a wireless device 10.

The process of FIG. 4 may begin by activating wireless earpieces 14(step 402). The wireless earpieces 14 may be activated in response tobeing removed from a smart charger (not shown) charging the wirelessearpieces 14. In another embodiment, the wireless earpieces 14 may bepowered on or otherwise activated utilizing a switch, button, or otherselection component. The wireless earpieces 14 may be activated inresponse to determining they are being worn in the ear or ears of auser. The wireless earpieces 14 may also be activated utilizing anotherwireless device 10 in communication with the wireless earpieces 14(e.g., mobile application, software 12, user interface, etc.).

Next, the wireless earpieces 14 connect to one or more devices 103 of apersonal area network 100 (step 404). The connection of step 404 mayinclude any number of pairing or association processes. For example,Bluetooth pairing be performed between the wireless earpieces 14 and oneor more electronic devices 103. In another embodiment, an authorizedcommunication session may be created for applicable devices to connect.Any number of identifiers, including, but not limited to, hardwareidentifiers, software identifiers, passwords, pin numbers, biometric orso forth may be utilized to connect to the communication session. Theone or more devices 103 may represent personal electronics, wearables,gaming devices, smart jewelry, implants, medical equipment, fitnessdevices, media devices, or any number of other electronic devices.

Next, the wireless earpieces 14 verified the connection is allowed (step406). The connection may be automatically verified utilizing theinformation received during step 404. The user may be required toprovide input, feedback, instructions, or commands verifying theconnection is allowed. Any number of verification and authenticationprocesses may be performed during step 406. For example, connectionsbetween the wireless earpieces 14 and the one or more devices 103 may beautomatically established in response to previous authorizations,connections, or pairing processes. The wireless earpieces may connectthrough a signal, link, or connection.

The process of FIG. 5 may be utilized to perform any number ofcommunications, biometric verifications, and connections with devices103, which have never been connected to wireless earpieces 14, have no“handshake” capability (in telecommunications, a handshake is anautomated process of negotiation between two communicating participantsthrough the exchange of information establishing the protocols of acommunication link at the start of the communication, before fullcommunication begins. The handshaking process usually takes place toestablish rules for communication when a computer attempts tocommunicate with another device. Signals are usually exchanged betweentwo devices to establish a communication link. For example, when acomputer communicates with another device such as a modem, the twodevices will signal each other they are switched on and ready to work,as well as to agree to which protocols are being used), or no similarinterface.

For example, the communications may represent biometrics, audio, video,text, or tactile input or messages. The communications may representdirect or indirect communications received from the user as well asdiscrete, real-time, or ongoing communications. In one embodiment, thecommunication may represent one or several different communications sentto or from several users/devices 103. In one example, the communicationmay represent a verification and authentication of a smart watch thewireless earpieces 14 may authorize as valid based on synchronicity ofdetected heart beats. In another example, the communication mayrepresent a detected biometric event, such as an impact beyond aspecified threshold, rapid drop or increase in user vitals, or otherbiometric or environmental conditions, parameter, event, or so forth.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for communicating with devices 103which may have no handshake capability with the wireless earpieces andtherefore the authenticating occurs through biometrics in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. The process of FIG. 5 maybe performed as part of the process of FIG. 4 or as a separate process.For example, the process of FIG. 4 could be utilized in a situationwhere wireless earpieces 14 are in a handshake communicationsenvironment with any of devices 103. The process of FIG. 5 could be usedif none, or a few, of the devices 103 were not in a handshakecommunications environment with the wireless earpieces 14. The processmay begin with the wireless earpieces receiving communications and/ortransmitted data from one or more devices 103 of the personal areanetwork 100 (step 502). One embodiment of the process or step is shownin FIG. 4.

The wireless earpieces 14 perform a first biometric measurement of theuser at step 504. The first biometric measurements may be performedutilizing any of the sensors 317 of the wireless earpieces 14 (e.g.,optical, contact, electrical, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer,GPS, transceiver, beacon, chemical, etc.) to detect the first biometricmeasurements. The first biometric measurements may indicate a singlebiometric or a combination of biometric measurements of the user (e.g.,heart rate and blood pressure, heart rate and location, etc.).

The wireless earpieces 14 receive a second biometric measurement fromthe one or more devices 103 of the personal area network 100 at step506. The second biometric measurements may be received in any number offormats, packets, packages, signals, or so forth. For example, thesecond biometrics may be received through an established connection,link, or signals or simply received by transceiver 316.

The wireless earpieces 14 begin authenticating the one or more devices103 of the personal area network 100 utilizing the second biometricmeasurements and the first biometric measurements at step 508. Duringstep 508 the wireless earpieces may perform analysis or processing tocompare the second biometric measurements to the first biometricmeasurements. A single biometric or multiple biometrics may be utilizedto authenticate the one or more devices.

In response to the authentication of step 508, the one or more devices103 may be authorized to utilize the personal area network 100, accessinformation and resources available through the wireless earpieces 14,perform transactions, implement applications and processes, or performother allowed activities. User preferences, settings, parameters, ordata stored in the wireless earpieces may specify applicable actions andactivities for the wireless earpieces.

Wireless earpieces 14 can receive and utilize sensor information fromdevices 103 which are unverified or not in a handshake relationship withthe wireless earpieces 14. The process of FIG. 5 utilizes a“signal-based similarity” to link the wireless earpieces 14 and thedevices 103 together in a meshed body area network 100 without requiringa user to do anything. Wireless earpieces 14, or processor 310 comparesthe first biometric measurement with the second biometric measurement.If the first biometric measurement from the earpieces 14 matches thesecond biometric measurement from another sensor on one of devices 103,then this indicates the device sensor and the earpiece 14 are being wornby the same person and the wireless earpiece 14 can function as a hubfor the other sensor too.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for managing biometric information inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. The process ofFIG. 6 may be implemented as part of the processes of FIGS. 4-5. Theprocess may begin by receiving sensor readings from one or more devices103 (step 602). The sensor readings may include biometrics,environmental conditions and information, speed, heading, altitude,location, proximity to the one or more devices 103 or other electronics,user actions or activities, and so forth. The biometrics of step 602 mayrepresent biometrics determined by the wireless earpieces to be uniqueor distinct sensor readings not read by the wireless earpieces 14themselves.

The wireless earpieces 14 create a biometric profile of a user utilizingthe wireless earpieces 14 and the one or more devices 103 at step 604.The biometric profile may be created utilizing sensor readings from thewireless earpieces 14 and several devices 103 in communication with thewireless earpieces 14. The biometric profile may relate to informationrelated to the user's body, appendages and extremities, and so forth. Inone embodiment, the biometric profile may also include informationrelated to tools, equipment, components, vehicles, or other devicesworn, ridden by, implanted within, or otherwise utilized by the user.

The wireless earpieces 14 save the sensor readings at step 606. Thesensor readings may be saved in a memory 312 of the wireless earpiece14. The sensor readings may be encrypted, password protected,biometrically protected, or so forth. The sensor readings may be savedin an external device, such as a cell phone 10 or computer 15. Thesensor readings may be stored externally to save memory or to generate amore complete biometric profile. The sensor readings may be sent forstorage continuously, in bursts, based on a signal/connectionavailability, or so forth.

The wireless earpieces 14 distribute the sensor information as needed atstep 608. The sensor readings may be sent to one or more users, devices103, systems 102, equipment, or components. For example, the sensorreadings may be communicated through a wireless device 10 to anapplicable medical, fitness, or personal profile, file, folder, or otherlocation. The sensor readings may be stored in a cloud network, storage,or drive (e.g., cloud storage offered by Google®, Amazon®, Apple®,Dropbox®, Box, Sync®, etc.) for access by multiple parties. For example,the sensor readings may be aggregated as part of a medical profile savedfor utilization by the user, the user's spouse, and the user's doctor.The wireless earpieces 14 may include any number of security processes,methodologies, or so forth may be utilized by the wireless earpieces 14(e.g., encryption, password-protection, device identification, etc.).

The wireless earpieces 14 may receive confirmation of receipt of thecommunication by the receiving party at state 610. The confirmation maybe a delivery receipt, indicator, alert, marker, or other informationactively delivered to the user or passively recorded or logged forsubsequent review. The confirmation of receipt may be provided to theuser of the wireless earpieces 14 when the communication is delivered asspecified by the user. In some embodiments, the user may specifyalternative communications devices, addresses, or routing forproblematic communications (e.g., alternative email addresses, phonenumbers, device identifiers, alternative recipients, emergency servicepersonnel, etc.). In some embodiments, the user may select not toreceive a delivery confirmation.

FIG. 7 is a pictorial representation of a communications environment 700in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The wirelessearpieces 702 may be configured to communicate with each other and withone or more wireless devices, such as a wireless device 704 or apersonal computer 718 (as well as the associated software 12 includingoperating systems, kernels, applications, and so forth). The wirelessearpieces 702 may be worn by a user 706 and are shown both as worn andseparately from their positioning within the ears of the user 706 forpurposes of visualization.

The wireless earpieces 702 includes a frame 708 shaped to fitsubstantially within the ears of the user 706. The frame 708 is asupport structure at least partially enclosing and housing theelectronic components of the wireless earpieces 702. The frame 708 maybe composed of a single structure or multiple interconnected structures(e.g., sonic welding, tape, interference fit, etc.). An exterior portionof the wireless earpieces 702 may include a first set of sensors shownas infrared sensors 709. The infrared sensors 709 may include emitterand receivers detecting and measuring infrared light radiating fromobjects within its field of view. The infrared sensors 709 may detectgestures, touches, or other user input against an exterior portion ofthe wireless earpieces 702 visible when worn by the user 706. Theinfrared sensors 709 may also detect infrared light or motion. Theinfrared sensors 709 may be utilized to determine whether the wirelessearpieces 702 are being worn, moved, approached by a user, set aside,stored in a smart case, placed in a dark environment, or so forth. Theinfrared sensors 709 may also include a touch screen or touch sensitiveportion configured to read fingerprints of the user. The user 706 mayconfigure the wireless earpieces 702 for hub communications includingbiometric authentication, as discussed above, even when not worn, suchas when placed on a desk or table or positioned within a smart casecharging, securing, and protecting the wireless earpieces 702 when notin use.

The user 706 can “on-board” sensor arrays from devices 103 which may notexclusively communicate with wireless devices 702. Typically, mostsensor arrays met a basic entry criterion for communicating withwireless earpieces 702. However, in the situation where a user may bewearing a device 103 which is not compatible or made by a differentmanufacturer of the wireless earpieces the user can still obtain sensordata from the device 103.

The frame 708 defines an extension 710 configured to fit substantiallywithin the ear of the user 706. The extension 710 may include one ormore speakers or vibration components for interacting with the user 706.The extension 710 may be removably covered by one or more sleeves. Thesleeves may be changed to fit the size and shape of the user's ears. Thesleeves may come in various interchangeable sizes and may have extremelytight tolerances to fit the user 706 and one or more additional usersutilizing the wireless earpieces 702 during their expected lifecycle. Inanother embodiment, the sleeves may be custom built to support theinterference fit utilized by the wireless earpieces 702 while also beingcomfortable while worn. The sleeves are shaped and configured to notcover various sensor devices of the wireless earpieces 702 or to allowoperation through the sleeves where necessary. In other embodiments, thewireless earpieces 702 may be docked with other devices utilized or wornby the user 706, such as watches 730, glasses, headsets, jewelry 740,smart phones 704, personal computers 718, gaming devices, or so forth.

As previously noted, the frame 708 or the extension 710 (or otherportions of the wireless earpieces 702) may include sensors 712 forsensing pulse, blood oxygenation, temperature, voice characteristics,skin conduction, glucose levels, impacts, activity level, position,location, orientation, as well as any number of internal or externaluser biometrics. The sensors 712 may be positioned to contact or beproximate the epithelium of the external auditory canal or auricularregion of the user's ears when worn. For example, the sensors 712 mayrepresent various metallic sensor contacts, optical interfaces, or evenmicro-delivery systems for receiving, measuring, and deliveringinformation and signals. Small electrical charges or spectroscopyemissions (e.g., various light wavelengths) may be utilized by thesensors 712 to analyze the biometrics of the user 706 including pulse,blood pressure, skin conductivity, blood analysis, sweat levels, and soforth. In one embodiment, the sensors 712 may include optical sensorsemitting and measuring reflected light within the ears of the user 706to measure any number of biometrics. The optical sensors may also beutilized as a second set of sensors to determine when the wirelessearpieces 702 are in use, stored, charging, or otherwise positioned. Thesensors 712 may include an array of components.

The sensors 712 may be utilized to provide a first set of biometricinformation communicated to the processor and compared against a secondset of biometric information to perform authentication and verificationof the second set of biometric information (e.g., for authorized hubcommunications, processes, actions, etc.). The sensors 712 within a bodyarea network 720 on the user's body 706 with no “handshake” capabilitywith a watch 730 or jewelry 740. Sensors on watch 730 or jewelry 740adjacent to the user 706 might give relevant data or through whichbetter analysis of the collected data could be analyzed and ranked. Oneexample would be an ambient temperature sensor on watch 730 which is inproximity to the user 706. It would be very useful in many cases tocapture the ambient temperature of the environment around the body areanetwork 720. This gives a specific frame of reference through which thebody area network 720 can be more thoroughly and accurately evaluatedand analyzed. Adding additional data to the body area network 720 onlyassists the user in better optimizing the network 720 and the user'sunderstanding of their biometrics and the environment around them.

As described, the sensors 712 may include one or more microphonesintegrated with the frame 708 or the extension of the wireless earpieces702. For example, an external microphone may sense environmental noisesas well as the user's voice as communicated through the air of thecommunications environment 700. The external microphones may senseadditional user's voices to perform recordings, analysis, actions, orotherwise facilitate the activities of the user 706. An ear-bone orinternal microphone may sense vibrations or sound waves communicatedthrough the head of the user 702 (e.g., bone conduction, etc.).

In some applications, temporary adhesives or securing mechanisms (e.g.,clamps, straps, lanyards, extenders, etc.) may be utilized to ensure thewireless earpieces 702 remain in the ears of the user 706 even duringthe most rigorous or physical activities or to ensure if they do fallout they are not lost or broken. For example, the wireless earpieces 702may be utilized during marathons, swimming, team sports, biking, hiking,parachuting, or so forth. In one embodiment, miniature straps may attachto the wireless earpieces 702 with a clip on the strap securing thewireless earpieces to the clothes, hair, or body of the user. Thewireless earpieces 702 may be configured to play music or audio, receiveand make phone calls or other communications, determine ambientenvironmental conditions (e.g., temperature, altitude, location, speed,heading, etc.), read user biometrics (e.g., heart rate, motion,temperature, sleep, blood oxygenation, voice output, calories burned,forces experienced, etc.), and receive user input, feedback, orinstructions. The wireless earpieces 702 may also execute any number ofapplications to perform specific purposes. The wireless earpieces 702may be utilized with any number of automatic assistants, such as Siri®,Cortana®, Alexa®, Google®, Watson®, or other smart assistants/artificialintelligence systems.

The communications environment 700 may further include the personalcomputer 718. The personal computer 718 may communicate with one or morewired or wireless networks, such as a network 720. The personal computer718 may represent any number of devices, systems, equipment, orcomponents, such as a laptop, server, tablet, transcription system,security system, gaming device, virtual/augmented reality system, or soforth. The personal computer 718 may communicate utilizing any number ofstandards, protocols, or processes. For example, the personal computer718 may utilize a wired or wireless connection to communicate with thewireless earpieces 702, the wireless device 704, or other electronicdevices. The personal computer 718 may utilize any number of memories ordatabases to store or synchronize biometric information associated withthe user 706, data, passwords, or media content. The personal computer718 may also include any number of databases. The wireless earpieces 702may store all or portions of these databases, logic, services, andresources updated regularly as noted above. For example, a database ofbiometric information, readings, and profiles may be stored and managedfor the user 706 and any number of other users utilizing the wirelessearpieces 702.

The wireless earpieces 702 may determine their position with respect toeach other as well as the wireless device 704 and the personal computer718. For example, position information for the wireless earpieces 702and the wireless device 704 may determine proximity of the devices inthe communications environment 700. For example, global positioninginformation or signal strength/activity may be utilized to determineproximity and distance of the devices to each other in thecommunications environment 700. In one embodiment, the distanceinformation may be utilized to determine whether biometric analysis maybe displayed to a user. For example, the wireless earpieces 702 may berequired to be within four feet of the wireless device 704 and thepersonal computer 718 to display biometric readings or receive userinput. The transmission power or amplification of received signals mayalso be varied based on the proximity of the devices in thecommunications environment 700.

The wireless earpieces 702 and the corresponding sensors 712 (whetherinternal or external) may be configured to take several measurements orlog information and activities during normal usage. This information,data, values, and determinations may be reported to the user 706 orotherwise utilized as part of the software 12 or processor 310, one orboth utilizing a communications engine, which can send requests to otherdevices (103, 104, 704, 718, 740, 730) and aggregates the results into asingle list or display them on mobile device 704 according to theirsource. The sensor measurements may be utilized to extrapolate othermeasurements, factors, or conditions applicable to the user 706 or thecommunications environment 700. For example, the sensors 712 may monitorthe user's usage patterns or light sensed in the communicationsenvironment 700 to enter a full power mode in a timely manner. The user706 or another party may configure the wireless earpieces 702 directlyor through a mobile device 704 and app (e.g., mobile app with agraphical user interface) to set power settings (e.g., preferences,conditions, parameters, settings, factors, etc.) or to store or sharebiometric information, audio, and other data.

The user may establish the light conditions or motion activating thefull power mode or keeping the wireless earpieces 702 in a sleep or lowpower mode. As a result, the user 706 may configure the wirelessearpieces 702 to maximize the battery life based on motion, lightingconditions, and other factors established for the user. For example, theuser 706 may set the wireless earpieces 702 to enter a full power modeonly if positioned within the ears of the user 706 within ten seconds ofbeing moved, otherwise the wireless earpieces 702 remain in a low powermode to preserve battery life. This setting may be particularly usefulif the wireless earpieces 702 are periodically moved or jostled withoutbeing inserted into the ears of the user 706. The wireless earpieces 702may also be utilized to perform audio or light monitoring of a specifiedarea.

The user 706 or another party may also utilize the wireless device 704to associate user information and conditions with the user preferences.For example, the user preferences may specify the thresholds andconditions for authenticating other devices utilizing verified userbiometrics. The user preferences may also specify actions performedbased on the user preferences, such as hub communications, applicationfeatures, and so forth. In another example, an application executed bythe wireless device 704 may be utilized to specify the conditions“waking up” the wireless earpieces 702 to automatically or manuallycommunicate information, warnings, data, or status information to theuser. In addition, the enabled functions (e.g., sensors, transceivers,vibration alerts, speakers, lights, etc.) may be selectively activatedbased on the user preferences as set by default, by the user, or basedon historical information. In another embodiment, the wireless earpieces702 may be adjusted or trained over time to become even more accurate inadjusting to communications needs, activities, habits, requirements,requests, activations, or other processes or functions performed by thesoftware 12, processor 310 one or both utilizing a communicationsengine. The wireless earpieces 702 may utilize historical information togenerate default values, baselines, thresholds, policies, or settingsfor determining when and how the wireless earpieces 702 (or associatedlogic/applications) performs various communications, actions, andprocesses. As a result, the wireless earpieces 702 may effectivelymanage the automatic and manually performed processes of the wirelessearpieces 702 based on automatic detection of events and conditions(e.g., light, motion, user sensor readings, etc.) and user specifiedsettings.

The wireless earpieces 702 may include any number of sensors 712 andlogic for measuring and determining user biometrics, such as pulse rate,skin conduction, fingerprints, blood oxygenation, temperature, caloriesexpended, blood or excretion chemistry, voice and audio output (e.g.,stress level, amplitude, frequency, etc.), position, and orientation(e.g., body, head, etc.). The sensors 712 may also determine the user'slocation, position, velocity, impact levels, and so forth. Any of thesensors 712 may be utilized to detect or confirm light, motion, or otherparameters affecting how the wireless earpieces 702 manage, utilize, andinitialize the software 12. The sensors 712 may also receive user inputand convert the user input into commands or selections of the wirelessearpieces 702 or made across the personal devices 103 of the wirelesspersonal area network 720. For example, the user input detected by thewireless earpieces 702 may include voice commands, head motions, fingertaps, finger swipes, motions or gestures, or other user inputs sensed bythe wireless earpieces. The user input may be determined by the wirelessearpieces 702 and converted into authorization commands sent to one ormore external devices, such as the wireless device 704, the personalcomputer 718, a tablet computer, or so forth. For example, the user 706may create a specific head motion and voice command when detected by thewireless earpieces 702 is utilized to send a request to the processor(implemented by the wireless earpiece or wireless earpieces 702/wirelessdevice 704) to perform actions, such as perform wireless personal areanetwork communications, search for nodes, change verification settings,and so forth. Any number of actions may also be implemented by theprocessor in response to specified user input.

The sensors 712 may make all the measurements regarding the user 706 andcommunications environment 700 or may communicate with any number ofother sensory devices, components, or systems in the communicationsenvironment 700. In one embodiment, the communications environment 700may represent all or a portion of a wireless personal area network 720.The wireless earpieces 702 may be utilized to control, communicate,manage, or interact with many other wearable devices or electronics,such as smart glasses, smart clothing (e.g., socks, shirts, shorts,headbands, undergarments, bands, etc.), medical devices, electronicglass, virtual reality systems, augmented reality systems,heads-up-displays, helmets, smart glass, watches or wrist bands, otherwireless earpieces, chest straps, implants, displays, clothing, or soforth. The wireless earpieces 702 may also communicate with cameras,microphones, or other specialized or custom systems, equipment,components, software, or devices. A wireless personal area network is anetwork for data transmissions among devices, components, equipment, andsystems, such as personal computers, communications devices, cameras,vehicles, entertainment/media devices, and communications devices. Thewireless personal area network may interact as part of a wirelesspersonal area network and may utilize any number of wired, wireless, orhybrid configurations and may be stationary or dynamic. For example, thewireless personal area network may utilize wireless network protocols orstandards, such as INSTEON, IrDA, Wireless USB, Bluetooth, Z-Wave,ZigBee, Wi-Fi, ANT+ or other applicable radio frequency signals tocommunicate as part of a wireless personal area network. In oneembodiment, the wireless personal area network may move with the user706.

The communications environment 700 may include any number of devices,components, or so forth communicating with each other directly orindirectly through a wireless (or wired) connection, signal, or link.The wireless earpieces 702 may function as a hub for communicationswithin the communications environment 700. For example, the wirelessearpieces 702 may manage communications, route packets or data,synchronize communications, reformat data, or so forth. Thecommunications environment 700 may include one or more networks andnetwork components and devices represented by the network 720, such asrouters, servers, signal extenders, intelligent network devices, towers,antennas, computing devices, or so forth. In one embodiment, the network720 of the communications environment 700 represents a wireless personalarea network as previously disclosed. The wireless earpieces 702 may beutilized for walkie talkie type communications. Voice commands and inputmay be utilized to control the wireless earpieces 702 as well as tactileor gesture-based input.

As discussed in detail above, it is desirable to bring data intoenvironment 700 which is related to the data collected by sensors 712,but the wireless earpieces 702 are unable to verify as the externaldevices may not be in a handshake communication protocol with thewireless earpieces 702. Therefore, as in FIG. 5, a “signal-basedsimilarity” can be used to link the devices (103, 104, 704, 718, 740,730) with the wireless earpieces 702 together in the meshed body areanetwork 720 without requiring the user to do anything. Further, thesensor data can be stored, or stored, authenticated and analyzed at thewireless earpieces 702 with possibility for recommendations/utilizationson made by the wireless earpieces 702. Another option is where thesensor data is transferred to a linked device 704 for storage,authentication, authorization and analysis andrecommendations/utilizations are made on the linked device 704 and sentback to the hub 702. The user 706 can be involved by giving permissionfor the wireless earpieces 702 or mobile device 704 or both to analyzethe data. From this point on, the data could be added to a fullrepository of data from the local body area network 720.

Communications within the communications environment 700 may occurthrough the network 720, such as a Wi-Fi network, or may occur directlybetween devices, such as the wireless earpieces 702 and the wirelessdevice 704. In one embodiment, the network 720 represents a wirelesspersonal area network communicating with the wireless earpieces 702 as aset or individually, and may include the wireless device 704, and thecomputing device 718 (which may also represent nodes of the network720). The network 720 may communicate with, include, or access awireless network, such as a Wi-Fi, cellular (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, PCS, GSM,etc.), Bluetooth®, short-range radio, satellite, or other short range orlong-range radio frequency networks, signals, connections, or links. Thenetwork 720 may also include or communicate with any number of hardwired networks, such as local area networks, coaxial networks,fiber-optic networks, powerline networks, or so forth. Communicationswithin the communications environment 700 may be operated by one or moreusers, service providers, or network providers.

The wireless earpieces 702 may play, display, communicate, or utilizeany number of alerts or communications to indicate the actions,activities, communications, mode, or status are in use or beingimplemented by the wireless earpieces 702. For example, one or morealerts may indicate when additional wireless earpieces are within rangeof the wireless earpieces 702 utilizing specific tones, verbalacknowledgements, tactile feedback, or other forms of communicatedmessages. For example, an audible alert and LED flash may be utilizedeach time the wireless earpieces 702 send or receive communications toan intended recipient/receiving party. Verbal or audio acknowledgements,answers, and actions utilized by the wireless earpieces 702 areparticularly effective because of user familiarity with such devices instandard smart phone and personal computers. The corresponding alert mayalso be communicated to one or more of the users 706, the wirelessdevice 704, and the personal computer 718. In one embodiment, alerts orindicators may be utilized to indicate a message, information, ordetails are available to a user. For example, an audible alert, such asa beep, and a tactile alert, such as a single vibration, may indicatethe wireless earpieces are receiving a communication. At any time, theuser 706 may request information regarding the devices communicatingwith the wireless earpieces 702. For example, the user 706 may swipe atouch-sensitive portion of the wireless earpieces 702 and then whenprompted by an audible chirp may ask “what devices am I linked to?” toget the associated information which may be communicated audibly ordisplayed to the wireless device 704.

In other embodiments, the wireless earpieces 702 may also vibrate,flash, play a tone or other sound, or give other indications of theactions, status, or process of the communications. The wirelessearpieces 702 may also communicate an alert to the wireless device 704showing up as a notification, message, or other indicator indicatingchanges in status, actions, commands, or so forth.

The wireless earpieces 702 as well as the wireless device 704 mayinclude logic for automatically implementing the communications logic inresponse to motion, light, audio, user activities, user biometricstatus, user location, user orientation/position, historicalactivity/requests, or various other conditions and factors of thecommunications environment 700. For example, a processor of the wirelessearpieces 702 may be activated to perform a specified activity or to“listen” or be prepared to “receive” user input, feedback, or commandsfor implementation by the wireless earpieces 702. The processor may alsogo into a recording or logging mode where all content or verbalcommunications are recorded for subsequent transcription, analysis,review, playback, or so forth.

The wireless device 704 may represent any number of wireless or wiredelectronic communications or computing devices, such as smart phones,laptops, desktop computers, control systems, tablets, transcriptionsystems, security systems, displays, gaming devices, music players,personal digital assistants, vehicle systems, or so forth as well as theassociated software (e.g., operating systems, kernels, applications,etc.). The wireless device 704 may communicate utilizing any number ofwireless connections, standards, or protocols (e.g., near fieldcommunications, NFMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, wireless Ethernet, etc.). Forexample, the wireless device 704 may be a touch screen cellular phonecommunicating with the wireless earpieces 702 utilizing Bluetoothcommunications. The wireless device 704 may implement and utilize anynumber of operating systems, kernels, instructions, or applicationsmaking use of the available sensor data sent from the wireless earpieces702. For example, the wireless device 704 may represent any number ofandroid, Apple®/iOS®, Windows®, open platforms, or other systems anddevices. Similarly, the wireless device 704 or the wireless earpieces702 may execute any number of applications utilizing the user input,proximity data, biometric data, and other feedback from the wirelessearpieces 702 to initiate, authorize, or process processor processes andperform the associated tasks. In one embodiment, the wireless earpieces702 and the wireless device 704 may both execute communications enginesoperating independently or jointly to perform the processes hereindescribed stored locally on each device or accessed through the wirelesspersonal area network. The wireless earpieces 702 may function as apaired set or individually to perform even more communications.

As noted, the layout of the internal components of the wirelessearpieces 702 and the limited space available for a product of limitedsize may affect where the sensors 712 may be positioned. The positionsof the sensors 712 within each of the wireless earpieces 702 may varybased on the model, version, and iteration of the wireless earpiecedesign and manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the wirelessearpieces 702 may include limited or no sensors 712. The wirelessearpieces 702 may also represent wireless headphones (e.g., on-ear,over-ear, ear fitted, etc.). In another embodiment, the wirelessearpieces 702 may be docked with or integrated into a set of wirelessheadphones.

FIG. 8 is a pictorial representation of smart socks 800 in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment. The smart socks 800 may be of anylength from below the ankle to thigh high. The smart socks 800 may be ofany size and color required or desired by potential users. Similarly,the smart socks 800 may be formed from any number or combination offabrics or materials 802 (e.g., cotton, polyester, nylon, wool, acrylic,Lycra, polyethylene, silk, synthetic, Gore-Tex, Gannex, etc.). The smartsocks 800 may be configured to communicate with wireless earpieces 801.

In other embodiments, the smart socks 800 may also represent smart shoesincluding, but not limited to, soles, outsole, vents, traction, upper,lower, heels, heel cap, tongue, toe tip, toe cap, stitches, collar,lining(s), quarter, top piece, vamp, supports, laces, stabilizers, andso forth. The smart socks 800 may also represent nylons, stockings, footwraps, tabis, or other similar clothing. Alternatively, the smart socks800 may represent shirts, hats, pants, undergarments, bands (e.g.,wrist, ankle, leg, head, waist, etc.).

The materials 802 of the smart socks 800 may represent solid sheets,weaves, knits, compression materials, or any number of structures orpatterns as are known in the art. In one embodiment, sensors 804 areintegrated with, bonded, adhered, or sewn into the smart socks 800. Forexample, the smart socks 800 may be an integral portion of the frameworkof the smart socks 800. In another embodiment, the smart socks 800 maybe otherwise glued, adhered, or bonded to the material 802 of the smartsocks 800. In one embodiment, the sensors 804 are discrete measurementunits measuring biometrics, information, and data associated with aspecific portion of the foot/leg of the user. In another embodiment, thesensors 804 may represent threads, fibers, fiber optics, or thematerials 802 of the smart sock 800 measuring applicable data andinformation.

The smart socks 800 may include sensors 804. The sensors 804 may bepositioned adjacent various portions of the foot/leg of the user. Forexample, a portion of the sensors 804 may be placed along the soles ofthe feet of the user with some of the sensors near the toes and heel ofthe user. Some of the sensors 804 may also be positioned near the ankle,calves, shins, or knee of the user. The smart socks 800 may be speciallyconfigured for specific users, medical treatments/conditions, sports,monitoring, or so forth. The sensors 804 may be positioned around theperiphery of the foot and leg of the user. The sensors 804 maycommunicate with the wireless earpieces 801, a smart phone, a smartwatch, a communications network, or other personal electronic devicethrough a transceiver 806. The transceiver 806 may represent aBluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFMI, or other single mode or multi-mode transceiver.

The sensors 804 may measure heart rate, temperature (e.g., user, shoe,environmental, etc.), blood pressure, circulation, impact forces (e.g.,walking or running), speed, cadence, distance run/jogged/walked, jumpheight, activity level, status of the user, risk levels, skinconductivity, foot/leg stresses and impact levels, bone/skin status, andso forth. In one embodiment, the biometrics read by the smart socks 800may be sent to a device or network through the transceiver 806. In oneembodiment, the smart socks 800 may be utilized by any number of users.The smart socks 800 may be useful for sports, medicine/doctors,hospitals, patients, recreation, and so forth.

The wireless earpieces 801 may utilize audio feedback, tactile feedback,or other output devices to communicate the biometrics and forces sensedby the smart socks 800. In some embodiments, the smart socks 800 or thewireless earpieces 801 may sense conditions, thresholds, or parametersrequiring an alert (e.g., high blood pressure, high or low heart rate,etc.). The logic or processors of the smart sock 800 or the wirelessearpieces 801 may analyze the measurements to determine an alert orindicator is required based on the thresholds, conditions, orparameters.

The illustrative embodiments may be utilized to perform communicationsutilizing a wireless personal area network or body area network. Thewireless earpieces 801 may operate as a hub for communications and mayalso be utilized as the sending, receiving, or intermediary nodes of thewireless personal area network. The communications sent may representdiscrete, streaming, real-time, saved, or any number of other messages,communications, data, or signals. The communications may be sentutilizing any number of standards, protocols, signals, or so forth. Thepersonal area communications may be utilized for proximitycommunications, all user communications, emergency communications,out-of-network communications, or so forth. For example, devices may beauthenticated by comparing user biometrics before communications withthe associated device may be allowed. The biometrics may specify asingle user or multiple users that may be utilizing the personal areanetwork at any given time.

A smart sock system communicates with wireless earpieces. The smart sockmay include one or more sensors, batteries, transceivers, logic orprocessors, or other components. In one embodiment, the smart socks maybe waterproof or water resistant to wash or otherwise clean the smartsocks. In another embodiment, the smart socks may includeinterchangeable or removable components removed, exchanged, traded-out,replaced, or so forth. The components may be removed for washing,repairs, different users/needs, different activities, and so forth. Forexample, the battery of the smart socks may include connectors (e.g.,plus, ports, interfaces, etc.) for powering components, such as thesensors, transceiver, and logic. In one embodiment, all or portions ofthe components may be integrated, such as a sensor, the battery, thetransceiver, and logic.

The illustrative embodiments may take the form of an entirely hardwareembodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware,resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining softwareand hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a“circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, embodiments of theinventive subject matter may take the form of a computer program productembodied in any tangible medium of expression having computer usableprogram code embodied in the medium. The described embodiments may beprovided as a computer program product, or software, that may include amachine-readable medium having stored thereon instructions, which may beused to program a computing system (or other electronic device(s)) toperform a process according to embodiments, whether presently describedor not, since every conceivable variation is not enumerated herein. Amachine-readable medium includes any mechanism for storing ortransmitting information in a form (e.g., software, processingapplication) readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). Themachine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, magneticstorage medium (e.g., floppy diskette); optical storage medium (e.g.,CD-ROM); magneto-optical storage medium; read only memory (ROM); randomaccess memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM andEEPROM); flash memory; or other types of medium suitable for storingelectronic instructions. In addition, embodiments may be embodied in anelectrical, optical, acoustical or other form of propagated signal(e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.), orwireline, wireless, or another communications medium.

Computer program code for carrying out operations of the embodiments maybe written in any combination of one or more programming languages,including an object-oriented programming language such as Java,Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programminglanguages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programminglanguages. The program code may execute entirely on a user's computer,partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partlyon the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely onthe remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remotecomputer may be connected to the user's computer through any type ofnetwork, including a local area network (LAN), a wireless personal areanetwork (WPAN), or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may bemade to an external computer (e.g., through the Internet using anInternet Service Provider).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process for utilizing a smart sock system inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process of FIG. 9 may beperformed by one or more smart socks (e.g., a pair of smart socks)communicating with one or more wireless earpieces (e.g., a left andright pair of wireless earpieces). The smart socks may include multiplesensors for measuring user information, biometrics, and forces, atransceiver connected to the multiple sensors for communicating theinformation, biometrics, and forces, and other components, such as logicfor processing the data and information, a battery, piezo electricgenerators, or solar cells, for powering the smart sock and associatedcomponents and so forth. The components may include wires, busses,traces, contacts, interfaces, or other components. The components of thesmart sock may be fluid and water resistant as well as impact resistant.

The process may begin by receiving at least a foot and/or leg of a userin smart socks (step 902). The smart socks may cover all or portions ofthe user's toes, feet, and legs. The smart socks may also represent anynumber of clothing items (e.g., shirts, pants, shoes, belts, headbands,wrist bands, etc.). The smart socks may be pre-fitted or formed ofstretchable or form fitting materials.

Next, the smart socks activate the one or more sensors integrated withthe smart socks (step 904). In one embodiment, the smart socks mayinclude a power button, switch, or so forth for activating theelectrical features of the smart socks. In another embodiment, the smartsocks may detect when being worn to automatically activate the variousfeatures and functions.

Next, the smart socks measure biometrics and forces associated with theuser utilizing the one or more sensors (step 906). The sensors mayinclude a blood pressure cuff for measuring the blood pressure of theuser. The sensors may also include any number of contacts, touch,electrical, chemical, optical, or other sensors for measuring heartrate, blood chemical content, circulation, impact levels, and so forth.In one embodiment, different sensors may measure distinct biometrics andforces (e.g., external, atmospheric, etc.).

Next, the smart socks communicate the biometrics and the forces to atleast wireless earpieces worn by the user (step 908). In one embodiment,the smart socks may communicate directly with the wireless earpiecesutilizing any number of signals, protocols, or standards. In anotherembodiment, the smart socks may communicate through one or more devicesor networks. For example, the smart socks may utilize a personal meshnetwork to perform communications of the biometrics and forces.

In another embodiment, the smart sock system may communicate thebiometrics and forces to the user audibly, visually, or tactilelythrough the wireless earpieces or one or more wireless devices incommunication with the smart socks. The smart socks may also communicatealerts, alarms, indicators, or other information to the user or otherinterested parties.

The features, steps, and components of the illustrative embodiments maybe combined in any number of ways and are not limited specifically tothose described. The illustrative embodiments contemplate numerousvariations in the smart devices and communications described. Theforegoing description has been presented for purposes of illustrationand description. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or limitany of the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. It is contemplatedthat other alternatives or exemplary aspects are considered included inthe disclosure. The description is merely examples of embodiments,processes or methods of the invention. It is understood that any othermodifications, substitutions, and/or additions may be made, which arewithin the intended spirit and scope of the disclosure. For theforegoing, the disclosure accomplishes at least all the intendedobjectives.

The previous detailed description is of a small number of embodimentsfor implementing the invention and is not intended to be limiting inscope. The following claims set forth several the embodiments of theinvention disclosed with greater particularity.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of utilizing wireless earpieces for hubcommunications, comprising: activating the wireless earpieces;connecting one or more devices to the wireless earpieces; performingfirst biometric measurements of a user at the wireless earpieces;receiving second biometric measurements from the one or more devices,each of the second biometric measurements taken by the one or moredevices; determining at the wireless earpieces if the one or moredevices is located on the same user as the wireless earpieces bycomparing the second biometric measurements to the first biometricmeasurements; receiving at the wireless earpieces data from at least oneexternal device not located on the user; distributing the firstbiometric measurements of the user, the second biometric measurements ofthe user and the data from the at least one external device from thewireless earpieces over a communications network to at least onelocation.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving acommunication to be sent through the wireless earpieces from the one ormore devices; and sending the communication to reach a receiving partyin response to the determination the second biometric measurements arelike the first biometric measurements.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinthe wireless earpieces and the one or more devices are part of apersonal area network utilized by the user.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the connecting is performed in response to verifying aconnection between the wireless earpieces and the one or more devices isallowed.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first biometricmeasurement and the second biometric measurement are of a same type ofbiometric measurement.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the wirelessearpieces communicate with a plurality of the one or more devices at atime.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless earpieces functionsas a hub for the one or more devices.
 8. The method of claim 1, whereinthe first biometric measurement and the second biometric measurement isa heart rate.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining isperformed by comparing the first biometric measurement to the secondbiometric measurement to determine both are associated with the user.10. The method of claim 1, wherein the connection is a Bluetoothconnection.
 11. The method of claim 2, wherein the communicationincludes real-time communications or discrete messages.
 12. A wirelessearpiece, comprising: a processor for executing an application; a memoryfor storing the application, wherein the application is executed to:activate the wireless earpieces, connect one or more devices to thewireless earpieces, perform first biometric measurements of the userutilizing the wireless earpieces, receive second biometric measurementsfrom the one or more devices, determine if the second biometricmeasurements and the first biometric measurements are similar, receivedata from at least one external device not located on the user, anddistribute the first biometric measurements of the user, the secondbiometric measurements of the user and the data from the at least oneexternal device from the wireless earpiece over a communications networkto a plurality of locations.
 13. The wireless earpiece of claim 12,wherein the processor receives a communication from the one or moredevices to be sent through the wireless earpiece as a hub, and whereinthe communication is sent in response to the determination the firstbiometric measurement and the second biometric measurement are similar.14. The wireless earpiece of claim 12, wherein the wireless earpiece andthe one or more devices are part of a personal area network utilized bythe user, wherein the first biometric measurement and the secondbiometric measurement are of a same type of biometric measurement, andwherein the first biometric measurement is compared against the secondbiometric measurement to determine both as are associated with the user.15. The wireless earpiece of claim 12, wherein the second biometricmeasurement is taken by smart clothing worn by the user.